Below-par physical standards causing worry in Army recruitment

Bangalore, Mar 10 (UNI) The below-par physical standards of boys, from Karnataka and Kerala, who are desirous of joining the Army, have emerged as a centre of concern, a senior Army official said.

About 38 per cent of the boys, despite passing written examinations, could not be recruited due to below-par physical standards last year, Deputy Director General (Recruiting) Brig J S Manikakar said, adding ''Malnutrition may be the main reason for boys from rural areas failing to meet physical standards.

''Kerala is in no way exception since 35 per cent of the boys could not be recruited for the same reason,'' he said.

Brigadier Manikakar said another area causing concern was that most of the applicants were from North India. Though they were not eligible to apply, they did so after obtaining Domicile Certificate.

''The Karnataka Government has not fixed the number of years to be stayed in the State for issuing such a certificate for applying for Army. The State Government should fix a stipulation in this regard at the earliest,'' he said.

He said a number of Religious Teachers posts were lying vacant for want of candidates. ''We are not getting applications despite our approaching religious heads,'' he lamented.

Brigadier Manikakar said that as per the new rules to come into effect from April, the age limit had been increased to 17 and a half from the present 16 and a half. However, the cut off date for age would be the day of physical test and not the time of applying. The All India Merit list would be published and 20 per cent bonus marks would be given to those with knowledge of typing and computer. A month's time would be given for the written exam after the physical test.

He said the Army Recruitment website would be launched shortly by utilising the State Government's e-governance initiative.

UNI MSP GD VD KN1509